Businesses Honored for Being on the Leading Edge

Southern Maryland celebrated businesses and executives for their demonstrated excellence at the 12th annual Leading Edge Awards, June 13 at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center.

Honoring individuals and businesses that spur economic growth within the region, the event showcases those who exemplify the qualities synonymous with business success: performance excellence, innovation and an unwavering dedication to customers and staff, according to Dr. Daniel Mosser, vice president of the College of Southern Marylands Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

Recognized were Calvert Systems Engineering, Inc. as Calvert County Business of the Year; Chaney Enterprises President and CEO William F. Childs IV as CEO of the Year; Charles County Public Library as Charles County Technology Company of the Year; MedStar St. Marys Hospital as CSM Partnership in Education; Sabre Systems, Inc. as The Patuxent Partnership Member Firm of the Year; and Brian Keesee, president of Crown Trophy of Waldorf and co-owner of Pothole Pros as SBDC Small Business Person of the Year.

Calvert Systems Engineering, Inc. is a women-owned engineering and consulting services firm that provides software and systems engineering, configuration management, quality assurance and program management. Headquartered in Prince Frederick, it has experienced tremendous growth while providing superior value with unparalleled commitment to customer and community service.

Charles County Public Library has partnered with local governments and private businesses and has been instrumental in bringing the Municipal Wi-Fi network to the Town of La Plata. The Waldorf West branch, to open in October, is equipped with state-of-the-market technology and is the first LEED-certified Charles County government building. They are developing a mobile app that will provide access to library and account information and they have taken an active role in bringing eBook and eReader technology through the library system.

Sabre is a privately held professional services company, with core competencies in information technology, program management support, logistics, statistical programs, software development and engineering solutions. As a mid-tier technology solutions provider, Sabre provides solutions based upon sound, repeatable business practices, while flexible and agile to quickly adapt and respond to specific customer requirements. Sabres commitment to community service is evidenced by its long-standing support of several local charitable organizations and the volunteerism of the companys more than 500 employees.

Serving the community since 1912, MedStar St. Mary's Hospital is a full-service hospital committed to delivering state-of-the-art emergency, acute inpatient and outpatient care. MedStar St. Mary's Hospital has provided generous support of CSM's prestigious nursing and healthcare programs, Twilight Performance Series, student-athlete and wellness programs, and programs related to the Leonardtown Campus Fitness Center. MedStar St. Mary's Hospital has also been a partner in education by utilizing CSMs educational and training resources to offer their employees workforce development opportunities.

Childs is responsible for the overall operations of Chaney Enterprises companies and partnerships. He has helped to lead, develop and implement Chaney Enterprises business strategies to ensure their continued successful growth in an environmentally responsible manner. Thanks to his principle-based leadership and can-do attitude, Chaney Enterprises was able to not only realize a profit in the midst of economic crisis, but also fulfilled its corporate promise of donating 10 percent of its net profits to charities and organizations in the communities it serves. Childs participates in many professional and civic organizations, including serving as a board member of the National Ready Mix Concrete Association and on the Board of Trustees for St. Pauls School in Brooklandville, his alma mater.

Keesee opened Crown Trophy of Waldorf in 1996. The second-largest franchise of more than 150 locations, it was awarded Small Business of the Year by the Charles County Chamber of Commerce last year. Founder and president of the Crown Trophy franchise owner's association, Keesee teamed up with fellow entrepreneur, Jay Perry, to create Pothole Pros, utilizing the SBDC for its insight and assistance in order to obtain start-up funding for the new venture. He has been a guest at SBDC seminars and frequently refers others to the SBDCs programs and services.

Co-hosting and presenting awards were Calvert County Technology Council, Charles County Technology Council, The Patuxent Partnership, Small Business Development Center for the Southern Region of Maryland (SBDC), The Corporate Center at CSM and CSM Foundation. Platinum sponsors included Chaney Enterprises, MedStar St. Marys Hospital, the Greater Waldorf Jaycees, Southern Maryland Newspapers and CSM.